Should i or shouldn't i

Mar 6, 2023
8
1
15
Visit site
Looking at buying my first van and have got my eye on a 2003 elddis avante 534. It's in great condition besides the front windows which have seen better days. I have attempted to see if I can get replacements but no joy there.

Do you think these are beyond rescuing?
 

Attachments

  • Van Window .jpg
    Van Window .jpg
    638.1 KB · Views: 43
Jan 19, 2002
1,471
409
19,435
Visit site
Presuming as the van is now 20 years old that this will be a private sale. The main concern of course is damp and as in other threads it could be worth finding a local AWS technician to assess the van before you part with any cash. In any event ensure that everything operates on gas and electricity, look out for any signs of damp like staining or sponginess or smell. Check the date on tyres (four digits first two week and second two year - so 0121 would week one in 2021 - ideally should not be over 5 years old). From the photo it is not clear exactly what the problem is - there are specialist cleaners like Fenwicks Windowize for surface problems or has been said you can have copy windows remoulded (costly) or maybe google caravan breakers.
 
Mar 6, 2023
8
1
15
Visit site
Hi,

Everything checks out but the cracks and delamination around the windows are a concern. It's a shame the current owner let them get in such a sorry state. I have tried breakers with no success.
 
May 7, 2012
8,491
1,753
30,935
Visit site
If it is internal condensation you should be able to repair it, look on you tube for several videos on this. If it cannot be repaired you can get replacements made to order but they are expensive, try EECO and caravan crazy but I would try dismantlers first.
SCM are possibly he biggest but if you google caravan breakers there are several others. The window should fit all the Avante range for that year, as it is common to all of them and probably other years when that model run was made. Like cars they do have model runs for several years with minor updates. If it is for another year though make sure you have the measurements to check it.
 
Mar 6, 2023
8
1
15
Visit site
Tried that too, these things are rare. I got a quote from EECO and that was coming in at £1332 including VAT and they need the old windows and the turn around time is 8 weeks which is a problem as I have no indoor storage. I think I might have to let this one go. It's such a shame this caravan will probably end up as scrap for the sake of some new windows.
 
Jan 3, 2012
9,571
2,050
30,935
Visit site
Tried that too, these things are rare. I got a quote from EECO and that was coming in at £1332 including VAT and they need the old windows and the turn around time is 8 weeks which is a problem as I have no indoor storage. I think I might have to let this one go. It's such a shame this caravan will probably end up as scrap for the sake of some new windows.
Why not put a caravan cover on it while the windows are away ?
 
May 7, 2012
8,491
1,753
30,935
Visit site
I have tried caravan crazy but no joy
EECO can take the old window and reproduce it if they do not have the mould in stock, but only at a cost and it will leave you with a security problem. I doubt the cost can be justified. If they have the mould from a previous sale this could work though.
If everything else is right then it may be worthwhile but I would only go ahead with caution and you need to deduct the cost of the window replacement.
 
Mar 6, 2023
8
1
15
Visit site
I did ask if they had any moulds but no joy.
If I can get it for the right price I will take it, I will use the price of the replacement costs of windows as a basis for my offer.
 
Jul 18, 2017
11,937
3,325
32,935
Visit site
I did ask if they had any moulds but no joy.
If I can get it for the right price I will take it, I will use the price of the replacement costs of windows as a basis for my offer.

It may be better to simply walk away as you will still have the hassle of replacing the windows?
 
Jul 23, 2022
15
21
15
Visit site
Strangely enough it was an Eldis Avante we nearly bought about two months ago after we fell in love with it.
The Pre Purchase Report from the mobile engineer changed all that though. Ingress/damp around the front Windows being one of the issues ......
 
May 12, 2019
134
35
4,585
Visit site
Old caravans are a bit like old cars, I recently bought a 20 year old Toyota Rav 4, for £1200. It failed the MOT with a faulty Catalitic Converter which from Toyota cost £1250. So even if I paid the £1250 it would not increase the value of the car. Perhaps you need to spend a bit more and get a newer caravan which does not need any windows.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Raywood and Hutch

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts